This is because 2016's parade will be held at the Sports Hub in Kallang, and the venue is far more expensive to rent compared with previous venues such as the Marina Bay floating platform and the Padang.

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke in Parliament on Monday and disclosed that previous years' parades cost between S$15.7 million ($11 million) and S$20.6 million ($14.7). He also said that the cost to run this year's event will the second most expensive in a decade.

The country celebrated its 50th year of independence (SG50) last year on Aug. 9 and went all out for the milestone.

A general view of the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub with the dome fully closed.

Image: SUHAIMI ABDULLAH/STRINGER/GETTY IMAGES

The Straits Timesreported that the Sports Hub will cost S$10 million ($7.1 million) to rent for the parade, which includes its 35 days of rehearsals. The venue's owners had initially requested for S$26 million ($18.5 million).

The 55,000-seat Sports Hub stadium will allow for 275,000 spectators to preview and watch the event live. The dome-shaped venue occupies the spot of the old National Stadium and was built under a scheme that gives its private operator a 25-year term of running it before it hands it back to the government. As such, the Singapore government does not own the facility, and has to lease it.

The mobile column from the Singapore Armed Forces takes part in a parade during Singapore's 50th National day anniversary celebration at the Padang in Singapore.

Image: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images

Changes to the programme line-up

Dr Ng further revealed during his speech that some of the public's favourite performances will be left out of this year's show, citing "calls for a different format." Safety concerns have also resulted in crowd-favourites such as The Red Lions' parachute act, the military vehicle showcase and aerial displays to be removed altogether.

Crowd favourite The Red Lions will not be performing at NDP 2016.

Image: SUHAIMI ABDULLAH/STRINGER/GETTY IMAGES

The minister acknowledges that having come off last year's SG50 celebrations, comparisons will be inevitable and organisers do feel the pressure of meeting the public's high expectations for this year's celebrations.

"However, I believe that ultimately, the NDP is a show with Singaporeans, for Singaporeans, and by Singaporeans. The committee will do their best to live up to these expectations," said the minister.

Mashable
is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company. Powered by its own proprietary technology, Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe.